As a priest, we often visit the sick. There was this patient who was unconscious for three days. Thank God he was brought back to life. As with many near-death experiences, I asked him if he saw a light at the end of a tunnel, or was he in a very beautiful garden? Did he feel peace and no more pain? He said that he was in a dark room and the feeling was very scary. He was only able to leave the room because he heard of the voice of his wife who was praying.

My dear friends, the message of John the Baptist is to be ready. The message of this upcoming second Sunday of Advent is Peace! Indeed when one is ready, one is at peace!

That is why three things we can to always be ready:

1. Forgive and ask for Forgiveness. One of the biggest graces, is to be in a state of grace. Our faith has sacraments for the forgiveness of sins: Confession and Anointing of the Sick. The Mass is said to forgive venial sins. That is why we pray…  “I confess to almighty God.” On the other hand though, there are people in our lives who have hurt us. Intentionally or unintentionally. Regardless whether they are asking forgiveness or not, may we always forgive people as we are the very first beneficiary. 
2. Gratitude. Surely we have been blessed by other people’s kindness. How many of us regretted not saying, “Thank you”, “I love you”, most especially to parents. When we are grateful, we are content. When we are content, we are able to share. The basis for eternal life is how we have been a blessing to others. 
3. Living in the present. How many of us still live in the past? The past is already gone. How many continue to live in the future? “If this happens, then I will truly be happy.” The only time we have is the now, the present. Appreciating everything in the now from the people around us, to nature, to the blessings we have, gives us so much peace.

My dear friends, God’s time is different from our time. When we are prepared, not only do we benefit but also our loved ones as well. It is such great consolation that our loved one who will surely miss us so much know that we are very much prepared and in a much better place. Hence, every single day, “We prepare the way of the Lord, we make straight our path.”